Report: New York Yankees likely not in on Justin Upton

While one New York team has already expressed interest in Justin Upton, the other ball club in the Big Apple isn’t likely to follow suit just because of their renowned deep pockets.

Although the New York Yankees are certainly in the market for a right-handed bat, Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com reported Sunday that Brian Cashman and Co. probably won’t be swapping phone calls with Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers.

The Yankees’ newfound mantra of fiscal responsibility – a $189 million payroll in 2014, not a penny more – has stifled a number of potential moves this winter, including their willingness to meet the Diamondbacks’ price for the two-time All-Star.

The Yankees indeed want to add a right-handed hitter but haven’t picked up their pursuit of Upton in the days since he was nearly dealt to Seattle, according to major-league sources.

In addition to their desire to conserve payroll, the Bronx Bombers are not short on outfielders (Curtis Granderson, Ichiro Suzuki, Brett Gardner, Matt Diaz) and have a dearth of talented prospects in their farm system that would help consummate a trade.

So while the Yankees have been known to spend money at will in order to acquire the biggest name, don’t expect Upton to trade in sedona red for pinstripes any time soon.